Romanian Deadlift Landmine (Barbell)

Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
barbell
Category
strength
Secondary Muscles

A hinge-focused exercise using a landmine barbell that emphasizes posterior chain development with reduced spinal compression compared to traditional RDLs.

Instructions

  1. Load one end of the barbell into a landmine attachment.
  2. Stand facing the barbell with feet hip-width apart.
  3. Grip the end of the barbell with both hands at about hip height.
  4. Keep a slight bend in your knees and maintain a neutral spine.
  5. Hinge at your hips, pushing them back while maintaining an upright torso.
  6. Lower the barbell by following a path close to your legs until you feel a hamstring stretch.
  7. Drive your hips forward and extend your torso to return to standing.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Focus on the hip hinge motion rather than just bending forward at the waist.
  • Maintain a slight knee bend throughout to protect your lower back and maximize hamstring engagement.
  • The angled barbell provides a more natural bar path than traditional setups.
  • Keep the bar path close to your body for better leverage and muscle engagement.
  • This variation is excellent for learning proper hip hinge mechanics as a beginner.
  • Progressively increase weight while maintaining strict form.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 5 5 reps 45 kg 40 kg
Build muscle 5 8 reps 40 kg 35 kg
Build endurance 5 10 reps 30 kg 27.5 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

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Romanian Deadlift Landmine Single-Leg (Barbell)

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Romanian Deadlift Single-Leg (Trap Bar)

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